Does the Apple Vacations App Work in Destination? Yes It Does!

On a recent work trip to Los Cabos, Mexico, I think I found my new favorite destination and resort…Secrets Marquis Los Cabos!  The destination was beautiful – think desert meets ocean paradise – it was so gorgeous! And where do I start about the hotel Secrets Marquis Los Cabos – it was amazing, with huge rooms, the staff and service was off the charts and the food was to die for! Make sure you check out this resort if you come to Cabo – because you will be blown away!

 Ok, getting back on topic….the Apple Vacations On The Go App! I am sure many of you have young kids or family members at home that you need to stay in contact with, even if you are on a vacation! Well, this Apple Vacations App is perfect for you!  I was a little unsure if the “Traveler Connect” portion of the Apple Vacations On The Go App was going to work. The only reason I was unsure was because I know it’s been tested on the east coast of Mexico, like Cancun & Riviera Maya as well as Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, but I wasn’t sure if it was tested and worked here in Los Cabos, where I was.

  Well, it worked perfectly, I was so happy! I could call home as much as I wanted to check on my baby boy, I think I called home too much my husband was starting to get a little irritated as to why I kept calling 4-5 times a day!

Secrets Marquis Los Cabos Infinity Pool & Ocean View

I was shocked on how easy the “Traveler Connect” was to use – I am not very tech savvy so I was worried I wouldn’t be able to use it. Boy was I wrong – you just have to make sure the person you are going to text or call has the App Downloaded & you must give them your booking # to sign in with. After that, you both create a profile for each other & make sure you both are “Friends” then you can call or text as much as you want! (A little too much in my case.) Important that you know; You have to be located in a WIFI Area in your hotel to access the Traveler Connect feature. Also, don’t forget, if you purchase this APP you can post all of your vacation photos to Facebook & Twitter and all your friends and family will be jealous of how much fun you are having on YOUR Apple Vacation! Don’t forget with this Apple Vacations App you have access to vital travel info, one touch calling to your Apple Rep, & it even allows you to check your flight status, book excursions, check the weather outside & even get discounted local offers at vendors like Starbucks…..all within this one app! So what are you waiting for download the Free Apple Vacations On The GO App & Corresponding Traveler Connect for only $14.99 today and stay connected with your loved ones!

 

 

 

 

Get The App - Stay Connected!

 

Living the Life at Secrets Silversands

My husband and I needed a vacation, badly. Choosing to go to Mexico was a no brainer, mostly because last year we went to Punta Cana. But if you haven’t noticed, Mexico’s a big place and there are a lot of destinations to choose from! There’s Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, Cozumel, and Cancun to name a few.  So, we live on the east coast, and wanted a direct, non-stop flight, something close (only a 3 day, 4 night jaunt) so we chose the beautiful beaches of Cancun, specifically Riviera Maya. The next few decisions were easier. We wanted adults-only, gorgeous beach/pools, and spa. ONE word – Secrets. Plus there are 3 of them in the Cancun vicinity. We went with Secrets Silversands, and it was the perfect choice!

Secrets Silversands brings a brilliantly contemporary atmosphere to Cancun's famed Riviera Maya. Surrounded by warm crystal waters, this all-suite Unlimited Luxury ® resort features 433 sumptuous suites, everyone is a showcase of modern luxury and elegant appointments.

Preferred Perks PLUS - Frontier Airlines Introductory Rate $39

Let me jump to the vacation…

We packed our bags, and were ready to go! It was a little exciting for our first Frontier plane ride. I’d like to add that we opted for the Preferred Perks, and in my opinion it’s totally worth it. I watched a couple shows on Bravo, (YES – Frontier has direct TV) and bam, we were there, in gorgeous, sunny, Cancun Mexico. We hopped in our non-stop transfer, arrived at Secrets Silversands in 20 minutes, stepped out of the car and were greeted “Welcome, home”.

The next few days were nothing less than lying by the pool, (there are 8 to choose from, I might mention), relaxing under a palapa on the

Savor Mexican a la caret cuisine in a traditional authentic ambience.

beach, eating fresh avocados or guacamole with every meal, and sipping delicious tropical libations. I have to say that the food at Secrets Silversands is better than you can imagine. They have 9 restaurants, which are beautifully styled, have excellent customer service, and extremely scrumptious fare. Secrets Silversands has an extremely active entertainment program. You can do Yoga on the beach in the morning, join a game of beach or pool volleyball during the day, and there’s always something fun going on at night like a band playing or dance show.

My husband and I decided to go for a couples massage at their elegant SPA by Pevonia. WOW! We had access to the spa’s private pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna for the entire day and couldn’t wait for our late afternoon Swedish Massages. We had the most relaxing time, and afterwards we lay in the meditation room to continue the relaxation. It was completely dreamy and all my stresses easily drifted away.

Over the course of the 4 days we swam, we slept, we ate, we drank, and we relaxed. The vacation went by quickly, as they always do. But it was really a great time and I highly recommend it!

Secrets Silversands is nestled on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and lies a mere 15 miles south Cancun and about 20 minutes from the Cancun Inernational Airport. This all-suite haven is surrounded by coral reefs and adventurous attractions

Oceana Seafood Grille Situated directly under a giant palapa with a beautiful view of the ocean, serving a la carte seafood specialties in a quiet romantic and seaside setting.

 

Here are a few tips

  • If you like seafood try Oceana, delicious shrimp tacos and ceviche. There are 9 Restaurants, 8 bars and 24/7 room service.
  • The expansive 12,000 square foot Secrets Spa by Pevonia is Amazing! I highly recommend it!
  • Rooms are spotless and ultra-chic - amenities in each room include Sitting area with sofa, Bathroom with jacuzzi for 2, satellite TV, CD/DVD player, MP3 docking station, Internet dataport ($), Minibar, hair dryer, iron, telephone, room safe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secrets Maroma – Affordable Luxury

If anyone is wondering to themselves, “gee, where can I go for a lovely Apple Vacations trip to an adults only resort with outstanding service, a drop dead beautiful beach, gorgeous rooms with nearly all ocean views…AND some of the most delicious and plentiful food you will find at any resort in the Caribbean”? I have two words for you, Secrets Maroma

Secrets Maroma

Secrets Maroma Resort & Spa - Affordable Luxury

I recently had the pleasure of staying 3 nights and 4 days at the lovely 4 Diamond, 6 Golden Apple resort that is nestled in the beautiful Riviera Maya, just a quick 30 minute ride from the Cancun airport. Honestly, from the moment you walk in the door, you truly feel like you are amongst old friends whose only goal is to ensure that your every need is fulfilled!

 My room was an impeccable ocean view room with the most comfortable bed I have ever slept on! It was clean and stunningly decorated. Our building concierge “Pilar” walked us into the room and explained where everything was, how it worked, etc. Pilar was stationed in our building to help with any little need, question or service you could possibly think of with a smile on her face and a true desire to make sure everything about the stay was over the top! She absolutely succeeded!

 

Secrets Maroma Resort & Spa - Beach View

I think my favorite thing about Secrets Maroma however had to be the food! In all my years of traveling with Apple Vacations I have to admit I have had some wonderful meals in many beautiful resorts. I honestly thought I had previously had the best of the best. I was wrong. From the lovely breakfasts, to the snack bars by the pool to the oh so fun Tepanyaki restaurant (what a show they put on!), to the yummy steakhouse, I thought I was in food heaven!

 

Secrets Maroma Unlimited-Luxury®

Then came Saturday! About lunch time about 20 chef’s in their whites all came marching out to the pool, each carrying a tray of food more appetizing then the one in front of him, it was literally a parade of food! Everyone stopped to admire this lovely sight and assumed (wrongly it would turn out), that there was to be a private event or wedding in the lovely wedding gazebo. We were all mistaken! All of these lovely people who work in the restaurants proceeded to then disperse and walk around and offer all of their lovely goodies to us!

 

Everyone was stunned and amazed at the sheer magnitude of food being shared. THEN, we all were even further amazed when some of them proceeded to actually get in the pool with their offers! Two actually got in a little boat and literally rowed around to those lounging in the pool! Others used a raft to present their treats! Now I really was in heaven! It was the most delightful surprise any of us had ever seen! Where else will you be so pampered that you don’t even need to leave the pool to eat? It was a first for me, but it won’t be the last; I will be returning to Secrets Maroma just as quick as I can!

 

Recommendation for RIU Palace Mexico

As a seasoned traveler, when I go abroad, I always try to keep an open mind. Recently, I took a week-long vacation with my husband to RIU Palace Mexico. I wasn’t expecting what RIU had in store for us.

First off, I completely fell in love with the charming, picturesque town of Playa del Carmen.  When we arrived at the resort, RIU Palace Mexico, I was pleasantly surprised with the upscale accommodations and friendly staff.  The décor of this hotel, both exterior and interior, is beautiful with Spanish type architecture/frescoes, which carries throughout the hotel and an immense lobby full of brilliant chandeliers.   The grounds are perfectly landscaped and their cascading waterfalls made a peaceful setting.  The junior-suite rooms were spacious with turn down service and flower petals in the bed/bathroom every night. Other top amenities include 24-hour all-inclusive and exchange privileges with the other RIU Resorts in Riviera Maya, which we took advantage of for breakfast and lunch.   They have a large court yard and every night there was entertainment with bands, singers and dancers, whom were awesome I might add. I truly felt like I was in a king’s palace because the scenery is breathtaking.   Everything was close and not a lot of walking to get from one area to another. The Theater across from the courtyard had different shows every night from Las Vegas type shows to Magic acts.   The staff was friendly, always cheerful, and there to accommodate you.  I loved their buffet restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  They had such a display of foods from seafood dishes to roasts of all kinds (such as duck, which is one of my favorites and cooked to perfection).  The chefs can cook your steak/poultry to your liking, which is a nice touch.   Their gourmet restaurants, an Asian, Brazilian, Krystal Fusion, El Patio, were all very good. My favorite was El Patio, serving steaks and seafood specialties, and located on the beach.  The lobby bar with the pianist was exceptional – playing various types of classical music to rock n roll pieces.  Top shelf liquor served throughout, mini-bar stocked daily, and with liquor dispensers on the wall, no one should go thirsty.  2 Pools, 1 with a swim-up bar and daily activities, and the other pool for a less active, quiet setting.  And they have a pool bar too!

 

Aaah….then there’s the beach, and a very large beach with lots of palm trees, waiter service, barbeque/snack area, massage area and plenty of watersports available.  Shopping right across the street on Caribbean Street and Playa del Carmen’s famed 5th Ave just minutes away.  The hotel is not far from the Tulum ruins with their displays of temples facing the beautiful blue sea is a great ½ day excursion.  If you have time, visit Chichen Itza, one of the 7 wonders of the world,  is about 2 hours travel time from the hotel and absolutely a must see with so much Mayan history/culture. The famous pyramid, Temple of Kulkulkan, depicts a calendar which the Mayans incredibly designed and is spectacular.  All in all, there is much to do around the Riu Palace Mexico Resort. I definitely was pleased with this hotel and highly recommend it.  In my opinion, and having stayed at several hotels, maybe this hotel should have a higher rating?

Share your comments!

 

Mexico with Mom!

Since the day I joined Apple Vacations over 5 years ago, my mother never missed an opportunity to ask, “So when are we going on a trip?”  In November of 2009, I decided it was time to fulfill her request.  It was the best vacation of my life.

I decided to totally go for it, and booked a whole week down in the Riviera Maya for Mom and me.  We stayed at the Iberostar Lindo and were immediately blown away by the beauty of the resort.  We must have looked like two teenage girls upon check-in– laughing, smiling, and practically jumping up and down as we were escorted to our room with refreshing cocktails in hand.

Mom and I had all these grandioso plans to go on excursions, go snorkeling, go “into town”– yeah right.  Every morning we’d look at each other and say, “Let’s just go to the beach and maybe we’ll feel like leaving the resort tomorrow.”  We never left the resort. Each day Mom would wake up before me and make coffee in the room for us (Yes, talkabout a lucky daughter!).  We’d sit on our balcony with our coffee and listen to the birds before heading to breakfast.  After breakfast, we’d relax by the water, eat lunch, and then take a walk around the property.  Everyday we discovered some new vegetation or newanimal.  We particularly loved the coatis, and were always highly entertained by their antics.  After our walk, we’d shower, grab a martini at the lobby bar, and then head to our dinner reservation.  In the evening, we’d attend the Lindo’s nightly entertainment show in their open-air atrium and were amazed about the high quality of the performances and choreography.

I felt like we were “celebrities”, as we became friendly with the various workers and entertainment staff at the Lindo.  Upon seeing Mom and me come for dinner, the one bartender would jokingly say, “Hola!  There is my wife and mother-in-law!  How was you day today?”  At breakfast one day, a member of the entertainment staff ate with us and talked to us about her family and home.  It made me feel good that Mom and I seemed so approachable, and the relationships we formed with the resort staff made our trip that more special.

To this day, I can’t help but smile and shed a happy tear when I think of that trip.  I don’t get to see my mom that often, and having memories like this are priceless.  We still, years later, always talk about our time together in Mexico—  it is an experience that we will always have together.  Thanks, Mom, for being my travel partner, beach buddy, and best friend.  Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Why Travel to Mexico? Why Not. Some of your favorite people already did!

Simply the best….beach!

As I stated in my last “simply the best” blog, I often get asked what’s the best ________ ? (Fill in the blank).

So this week my blog proclaims the best “beach within reach!”  If you go on vacation and all you want is beach, beach, beach … and you want a recommendation of where you can really travel to, then read on.

In honor of Cinco de Mayo I declare my favorite “beach within reach!”  – Maroma beach in Rivera Maya, Mexico.  Maroma beach is on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula about 30 miles south of Cancun, and just north of Playa del Carmen.  It’s simply stunning. Powder white sand beach as far as the eye can see, leading right into the beautiful turquoise blue ocean. It’s both wide and long, with plenty of open space and palm trees perfectly lining the landscape. It’s the best beach not only because it’s picturesque, but there is plenty of space for walks, beach activities and it’s an amazing spot for snorkeling due to the nearby coral reefs.

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is the most amazing hotel on this beach and THE place to stay.  Self described  – Pure white sands, crystal-clear waters and warm tropical breezes promise a perfect paradise at Secrets Maroma Beach.  This  Unlimited-Luxury haven is located on this all-suite hideaway is surrounded by soft white sand, turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs and adventurous  one of the most pristine beaches in Mexico.  Secrets is adults only. Another great nice option is Catalonia Playa Maroma. This hotel has typical Mexican decoration with vibrant colors and palapa roofs.  The hotel is surrounded by lush mangrove forests which are native to the Yucatan peninsula. It’s a great location for both couples and families.

Even The Travel Channel agrees naming  Maroma beach one of the most beautiful beaches in  the world and “the most exquisite secret in Mexico”.

So, do you agree? What’s the best beach you have ever seen on an Apple Vacation?

Trip of a Lifetime at Secret’s Capri Riviera Cancun part 2

I was admittedly jealous to send my brother and his wife to the resort I am dreaming to stay at, but now that he is back and I heard all about it, I want to go there even more!

Here is his review:
Secrets Capri was absolutely amazing and worth every penny we spent. It was honestly the trip of a lifetime. The best thing about the resort is the spectacular staff and service. They really make sure everyone is welcomed, happy and enjoying their vacation. They truly go above and beyond in every way. The staff checks in on you often. I just can’t say enough about them.
The resort is smaller and manageable, but there is still so much to do. We played pool games and did water aerobics during the day (they even let me teach a few days), and we almost won the newlywed game one night! We met many couples at the resort and all had a fun time together.

The spa at Secrets Capri was great. We couldn’t decide if we should get massages in the spa or on the beach, so we did both! I highly recommend the beach massage. It was so relaxing with an ocean breeze and a perfect view.

 

The food was delicious and we were happy not to be on a schedule with dining reservations. We could go as we pleased, and not have to rush.
The resort was beautiful. It was just a perfect trip, check out some of our pictures.
We are already planning our next trip back!